Africa soccer’s governing body CAF has banned Chad from the qualifiers for the first edition of the African Nations Championships slated for Cote d’Ivoire in 2009.
According to a CAF statement, the ban follows the suspension of the Chadian Football Association by the international football federation FIFA on Friday, due to the country’s violation of the article guaranteeing the independence of FIFA member associations.
Chad had been scheduled to play Congo in the preliminary round of the qualifiers this weekend, but with the disqualification, Congo has automatically advanced to the first round.
Eleven matches were slated across Africa this weekend for the first leg of the preliminaries.
CAF announced the African Nations Championship 11 September 2007 exclusively for players featuring in the local leagues.
Foreign players, regardless of where they play, cannot participate in the championship, aimed at strengthening national competitions which have been weakened by the exodus of top class players to more lucrative leagues abroad.
The tournament will be held every two years, alternating with the African Cup of Nations. Panapress.
